Illam
One of Nepal’s most advanced cities is Ilam. Ilam spans across the country from the upper hilly region to the Terai belt. It is a tiny hill town with unspoiled surroundings that include steep tea gardens, mountain streams, thick natural woods, sacred locations, and a distinctive culture. The Illam district’s administrative center is in Illam. The words “IL” and “Lam,” which in Kirant indicate “twisted” and “road,” respectively, are the origin of the name Ilam. The Ilam district has elevations that range from 140 m to 3,636 m above sea level. Illam is famously recognized for its tea, or Illam tea. Many regions of Europe receive this tea as an export. The tea farm has been successful in drawing both domestic and foreign tourists.
Illam’s slopes are covered in greenery all year round.
Illam is well-known for several other well-known products in addition to its tea gardens. Cardamom, Aduwaa (ginger), Pahade Aalu (hill Potato), Akabare (special chile), Amriso (a particular plant used to manufacture broom), and Chhurpi (a special preserved cheese product). In addition to being sold domestically, all of these goods are also exported for sale abroad. Additionally, Illam draws a lot of scholars who travel there to study red pandas and uncommon birds. Here are a few of the well-known locations to check out when touring the city.
Few among Illam's must-see attractions include:
Mai Pokhari is 20 kilometers (half an hour) from the Illam city. This nine-cornered star-shaped pond is a must-see location in Illam. Nine distinct gods are honored by the nine corners. Since it is regarded as the sacred residence of Goddess Bhagawati, a fair is conducted every year in the month of October or November. Both Buddhists and Hindus consider Mai Pokhari to be a significant sacred location.
In Illam, Sano Pathibhara Devi’s temple is a significant Hindu holy monument. The Pathibhara in the Taplejung district is comparable to this. Both temples are thought to be sisters, with the Pathibhara Devi temple in Taplejung being the elder sister of the one on Illam. Sano Pathibhara Temple is the name given to the temple.
For more than a century, Kanyam has been recognized for its extensive tea planting. Kanyam is regarded as the eastern Nepal’s queen. Illam has been successful in luring both domestic and foreign tourists because of its chilly environment and lovely tea plants. About 125 thousand kg of tea are produced annually on the 240 hectares of the Kanyam Tea Garden. When the weather is clear, Kanyam offers views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Terai locations including Siliguri, Jhapa, Darjeeling, and Mirik in India, as well as the Bay of Bengal. Locals frequently travel to these locations for picnics, sightseeing, and photo opportunities. It is roughly 43 kilometers from Illam Bazar.
The highest point in the Illam district is Sandakpur. Sandakpur, located at a height of 3636 meters, offers a breath-taking vista of Kanchenjunga, Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. The Illam have Sandakpur as a trekking destination. Basically, the route will lead hikers from Mai Pokhari to Maimajhuwa, Mabu, Kala Pokhari Bikhe, and thereafter Bhyanjyang Sandakpur. If hiking isn’t your strongest suit, there are well-maintained roads that will take you quickly to the summit. At the top, a once-in-a-lifetime chance exists to have a rare encounter with the Nepalese national bird, the Danphe.
Along with these locations, other well-known sites to see while in Illam are Shree Antu, Fikkal Bazar, Devisthan, Mai Beni, Chhintapu, and Siddhi Thumka.